by Anya Firszt, General Manager
Hello dear Owners, The nights are getting longer as well as a touch cooler, and the days are getting shorter, which can only mean one thing: fall is on the near horizon. Apple cider, cozy sweaters, changing colors, and celebrating the harvest. Ah fall.
Eat Local Month
September is Eat Local Month, an entire month devoted to celebrating LOCAL. This is our 14th year celebrating Eat Local Month; this is our way to highlight and support our local producers and vendors. We are planning month-long local Owner deals, as well as samples, giveaways, and more! Checkout the updates in this issue of the newsletter, in-store flyers, or willystreet.coop/eat-local-month for details.
50th Anniversary
In 1974, the Co-op opened its first storefront on Williamson Street. This year, the Co-op is celebrating its 50th anniversary! Beginning in October, we will start our 50th year with a laundry list of promotions, cake, memorabilia sharing, and more. Stay tuned for more information in the coming month.
In the meantime, think about attending the Annual Meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, October 1 at Aubergine (1226 Williamson Street). The event is in-person this year and scheduled to begin at 5:30pm and run to about 6:30pm with snacks before and after. My hope is that we can get 50 Owners for quorum and we hope you can make it!
Also, immediately following the Annual Meeting, we have planned a panel discussion with a few Owners who founded the Co-op 50 years ago! It should be a lively discussion, one I don’t want to miss. The meeting and panel discussion will be recorded if you aren’t able to make it in person.
2024 Annual Board Elections
Annual Board elections are coming up fast. Ballot information will be included in the October issue of the Reader and will also be sent to you via email and/or US mail. You can cast your ballot at any one of our stores or mail it to us using a paper ballot or via electronic ballot (provided we have your current email address). Electronic ballots are due no later than Monday, October 14 at 11:59pm.
Election results will be announced at the Special Owner meeting scheduled for Wednesday, October 16. Last call for paper ballots is 6:00pm with the results announced at 6:30pm. Look for election updates on the Co-op’s website following the Special Meeting or in the next issue of the Reader.
Willy East Mural update
The new Willy East mural is being painted this month, and likely into next month. Be prepared for the redirecting of pedestrian traffic along the fire station side of the building, as well as some parking stalls blocked off while the wall is being repaired and prepped for painting.
Store open hours – North and West
Store open hours at Willy North and Willy West are changing to 7:30am
effective September 9. This change means that all three retail locations will have the same hours of operation, and you can now stop at Willy North or Willy West on your way into work!
Festival Perks Passes – last opportunity of the season
Willy Street Co-op Owners with a Festival Perks Pass will be able to get half-priced meals and beverages at the Northside Festival at Mallards stadium Saturday, September 7, from 11:00am-2:00pm. See more information at willystreet.coop/owner-festival-perks.
And, the Willy Street Fair is scheduled for September 20–21 benefiting Common Wealth Development and Wil-Mar Neighbor Center—don’t miss it!
Madison Metro Fares
Madison Metro is implementing a change in their fare system beginning this month. This change has resulted in the Co-op no longer being an outlet for bus fare purchases. If you’re looking for ways you can pay for bus fares, visit: https://www.cityofmadison.com/metro/fares/new-way-to-pay-fares.
Special store hours
Labor Day is September 2—all stores are open until 7:00pm on that day, plan ahead.
Until next month, soak up the sunshine and warm days when you can.
-Anya
